Description
Keto cauliflower mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort without carb overload. Rich cheddar and crisp bacon elevate this low-carb classic, promising satisfaction for health-conscious diners who crave classic flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups / 946 ml), cut into small florets
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 oz (56 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsps Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup pork rinds, crushed (for crunch)
Instructions
- Cauliflower Preparation: Immerse florets in salted, boiling water and simmer for 5-7 minutes until tender yet firm, avoiding waterlogging.
- Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in a saucepan over moderate heat, creating a creamy base for the cheese sauce by whisking in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cheese Integration: Reduce heat and gradually fold cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese into the sauce, stirring until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Vegetable Coating: Drain cauliflower thoroughly and gently incorporate into the cheese sauce, ensuring each floret is lavishly covered with the velvety mixture.
- Baking Preparation: Transfer the cheesy cauliflower to a buttered baking dish, distributing evenly and topping with crushed pork rinds and additional Parmesan for a crisp texture.
- Final Caramelization: Position under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, monitoring closely to develop a golden-brown crust without scorching the surface.
Notes
- Drain Cauliflower Thoroughly: Pat florets completely dry to prevent watery texture and ensure crisp, appealing mac and cheese consistency.
- Select High-Fat Cheese Varieties: Choose full-fat cheeses like sharp cheddar and aged Parmesan for richer flavor and authentic keto profile.
- Monitor Broiling Carefully: Watch the dish closely during final caramelization to avoid burning the delicate pork rind topping and prevent bitter taste.
- Customize Seasoning Subtly: Experiment with herbs like thyme or chives to enhance flavor without compromising the low-carb keto framework.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg